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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryMeasurement & AttributionTime-Decay Attribution

Measurement & Attribution

Time-Decay Attribution

A multi-touch model that gives more conversion credit to touchpoints closer in time to the conversion.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Time-decay attribution is a multi-touch model that gives more conversion credit to touchpoints that occur closer in time to the conversion. Earlier interactions still receive some credit, but less. It suits shorter sales cycles where late interactions are thought to matter most, though it can undervalue the activity that first created demand.